Class of '54 alumnus and author to discuss his book on campus, September 18
- 9/18/2013 -

SU alumnus and author Curtis J. Johnson will visit the Baton Rouge
campus Wednesday, September 18, 2013, to promote and discuss his book, Glimpses of Black Life along Bayou Lafourche.

A book talk is scheduled in the John B. Cade Library, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Glimpses of Black Life along Bayou Lafourche describes experiences of black people who lived throughout the Mississippi River-Bayou Lafourche Region of South Louisiana during the period 1875-1975. These writings cover four parishes (counties) including Saint James, Ascension, Assumption, and Lafourche. This area of Louisiana is steeped in American history, beginning in 1803 with the Louisiana Purchase.

Johnson's reflections on different elements that make up the rich and colorful history and culture of Bayou Lafourche--including the Great Depression, cuisine, folklore, family life, music and the revered "hometown heroes"--capture the region's uniqueness.

The Bayou Lafourche native received a bachelor of science degree in industrial arts and technical education from Southern University Baton Rouge in 1954. A member of the ROTC at Southern, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. States Army Corps of Engineers. He completed 20 years of service and retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1974.

In 1974, Johnson earned a master of urban affairs (public administration) degree from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He worked as executive director of a regional governmental consortium involved in employment development and on-the-job trades and training for low-income Virginians; and served as adjunct faculty member at Golden State University, Hampton Institute and Thomas Nelson Community College. He served on many local, regional, and state service boards and agencies, and received Governor�s Distinguished Service Awards from two governors. He also serves as a member of the Virginia War Memorial Board.